Small Business Stories:
Wallgarden Limited

We talk to Nadine Charlton, Founder and Director of Wallgarden Limited, about how she loves creating magical experiences for children and getting more kids to play outdoors. We also discuss how she is using the KPMG Small Business Accounting service to help manage her finances while she promotes her business.

Name, title & company name?

Nadine Charlton, Founder and Director, Wallgarden Limited.

In a few words, tell us what your business does?

Bespoke children’s playhouses and inspirational gardens.

What’s the best thing about your job?

Seeing people’s reactions our work, magical for the children and emotional for the parents – knowing that will remain with them forever. Our work is about to get them outside whatever the weather. Inspiring the next generation to learn about natural materials, grow their own, and learn about food as well as having their own play space. The impact of that, as well as the playhouses themselves, will last beyond our lifetime.

And the worst?

Sometimes overwhelming amount of things to do, to drive the small aspects as well as the big. Making sure driving the vision as well as maintaining relationship with your customers, as well as staying on top of being organised. Whilst I say that’s the worst (and it is at times) it’s also part of the pleasure of having own business and having the opportunity to make things happen, as you want them to.

Why did you choose KPMG Small Business Accounting?

I have seen how KPMG brings the best to clients, so there was no question in my mind who I wanted to work with for my own business.

How have KPMG Small Business Accounting and your dedicated KPMG accountant helped you?

My business is currently in its early stages, we are in our first year. The team are working with me to get things right from the very start, we are already developing at a pace we hadn’t anticipated so making sure that we have all of the processes and supporting structure in place means everything works a lot smoother and we are organized from the outset.

The team have also come up with excellent ideas about connecting me with broader initiatives and other clients. Coming from the same corporate background as the delivering team, we have an unspoken commonality – but their breadth of fresh ideas and insight from the range of clients they work with have already made a difference to me. Ideas about how to plan and demonstrate the value of future business expenditure, sharing our ideas with others in the business community, and maximising marketing opportunities to name but a few.

Who do you most admire in business?

Interesting question!! Mostly those who are honest, and remain true to their cause and objective for setting up their business. Building on their natural talent, and using it not only as a means to support their own family but to improve the lives of others. Jamie Oliver springs to mind.

Having had the experience of setting up my own business, anyone who has the tireless energy and faith to drive themselves and commitment to make things happen. There are as many costs as opportunities, and that takes passion.

If you could give one piece of advice to small business owners, what would it be?

My advice to any business owner is keep the faith in what you are doing. Remain committed to what you do, and deliver exceptional quality to your clients!

What’s next for your business?

After a busy summer of events with the bespoke playhouses, we are starting our first projects for our clients. We also have some really exciting plans for Chelsea Flower Show in May 2018.

We are also launching a garden seed range for all the family to enjoy growing, working in conjunction with Sarah Eberle a multi award winning garden designer.

Clickhereto find out more about KPMG Small Business Accounting and how we can help you.

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